Activities
FLC Seniors Acting Club
The purpose of the FLC Seniors Acting Club is to provide a variety of learning experiences from Playwriting, to Improv, to actual classes in traditional and not so traditional acting techniques, to give the participant a well rounded training and deeper understanding of live theatre and how it works.
Most importantly, we strive to make our classes as affordable and fun for seniors as possible.
What & When
Introduction to Playwriting
Monday Evenings January 7, 14, 21, & 28 from 6:00–7:30 pm
We'll start right at the beginning discussing what makes a play a play. After that, participants will be engaged in an active discussion about narrative structure, plot, character, conflict/crisis, dialogue, and theme among many other topics. This workshop is intended for all beginning and novice playwrights. Hone your skills and discover more about the art & craft of playwriting.
Instructor: Trevor Ruegar
Trevor has been an actor, director, writer and dramaturg for over 30 years. For the past 10 years he has worked as the Executive Director of Alberta Playwrights’ Network, an organization devoted to the development of playwrights at all stages for stages. In 2011 he received the Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Performance by and Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance as Billy Bibbit in Theatre Calgary’s production of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. As an actor, he’s been seen at Theatre Calgary, Lunchbox Theatre, Sage Theatre, Vertigo Theatre, Stage West and Garry Theatre. Directing credits include, Medea and 33 Swoons for Rocky Mountain College, Courage for Lost Boy Productions.
Playing with Shakespeare
Monday Evenings February 4, 11, 25 & March 4 from 6:00–7:30 pm
In "Playing with Shakespeare," each class will begin with some light improvisation exercises to warm up our creativity. Then, the first class will be focused on some basic history of Shakespeare's world and then move into an exploration of techniques to understand Shakespeare's texts, including uncovering rhetorical intent and narrative purpose. The second through Fourth classes will culminate in a performance of short scenes. No memorization will be required. The focus will be on exploration of the words, the story, and having fun!
Instructor: Trevor Ruegar: Trevor has been an actor, director, writer and dramaturg for over 30 years. For the past 10 years he has worked as the Executive Director of Alberta Playwrights’ Network, an organization devoted to the development of playwrights at all stages for stages. In 2011 he received the Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Performance by and Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance as Billy Bibbit in Theatre Calgary’s production of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. As an actor, he’s been seen at Theatre Calgary, Lunchbox Theatre, Sage Theatre, Vertigo Theatre, Stage West and Garry Theatre. Directing credits include, Medea and 33 Swoons for Rocky Mountain College, Courage for Lost Boy Productions
Introduction to Acting
Monday Evenings February 4, 11, 25, & March 4 from 7:45–9:15 pm
Acting level one is a four-week course that will introduce some of the basic principles of acting, text work and stage skills. This course will focus on text-based acting (scripts) and explore techniques from Uta Hagen and Stanislavsky as a foundation for truthful performance. No memorization will be required for this class although memorization techniques will be discussed. No prerequisite.
Instructor: Erin Noble
Erin graduated from Bishop's University with an Honours BA in drama in 2015. Primarily trained in acting she discovered directing late in her university career and has since been soaking up everything she can about the art. Her first experience with the FLC Acting Club was in spring 2018 when she directed the group's production of Ladies at Lunch. She greatly enjoyed working with the sharp, funny and enthusiastic group and is excited to be back demystifying auditioning with you this fall! Favorite theatre experiences including directing Nothing is Enough, acting in Recruiting Officer and acting/creating Pandemonium.
Introduction to Improv
Monday Evenings March 11, 18, 25 & April 1 from 6:00–7:30 pm
This is a class you don’t want to miss! Learn “Improvisation Basics” in a fun environment, and how to apply them to acting, auditioning or just everyday life. Exercises will focus on short form listening, creating character interaction, and learning to think on the spot. Come prepared to laugh and have a whole lot of fun. Any experience level is welcome.
Instructor: Alvan Le
With over 3 years of intense training in acting and improvisation, some of the many places Alvan has been seen on stage is the Calgary Stampede as an emcee, the 2017 IGNITE Festival for Emerging Artists, and the Loose Moose Theatre. His theatre roots from the Loose Moose Theatre and the University of Calgary have brought him to teach improvisation to all ages. He can be seen teaching at high schools, summer camps, and even the U of C Improv Club. If you ever have a chance to learn from Alvan, you’ll remember him for his encouraging energy and his engaging teaching style.
Acting Level 2:
Monday Evenings 7:45- 9:15 pm March 11, 18, 25 and April 01. This four-week course focuses on using your experience and inherent skills to expand your acting abilities. This course will focus on connecting you to your onstage impulses, diving into the imagination and becoming comfortable in front of an audience. We will be working with text but no memorization is required. Prerequisite: "Introduction to Acting" strongly recommended.
Instructor: Megan Fox: Megan has been involved in various independent productions throughout the Greater Vancouver Area. Highlights include The Boy Who Fell From The Sky- An interactive, touring adaption of The Little Prince performed for various schools and children's group over the course of a summer- and I Feel Ya' Ophelia, an award-winning adaption of William Shakespeare's Hamlet. Megan studied at SFU in theatre performance and production from 2008-2013. Most recently has done stand up comedy, improv, and held a small series of wacky workshops introducing Calgary artists to her favorite discipline -The Grotowski Method, which Megan has learnt in school and through various workshops with Master Teachers. Megan currently works full-time at Arts Commons as a House Manager at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, Engineered Air Theatre and various other venues. For the past two years Megan had the privilege of teaching Acting with the FLC Seniors.
The FLC Acting Club will be putting on a Production June 2 and 9th, 2019 during Seniors Week at Lunchbox Theatre.
We will be auditioning for cast early in April and will give priority to those who have taken our acting courses in the past 2 years. Rehearsals will run throughout April and May. We will also be looking for volunteers for help with makeup, wardrobe, set changes and stage management. Contact us through actingclub@flcsenior.ca. if you’d like to participate.
Winter Session Dates: January 7th to April 1st
All Acting classes will take place in the Seniors Room on the 2nd floor of the Trico Centre.
Cost: The cost of classes will decline depending on how many classes a participant takes:
- $40 for 1 class
- $50 for 2 classes
- $60 for 3 classes
- $70 for 4 classes
- $80 for 5 or more classes
Payment is due on the night of your first class. Classes are capped at 12 participants each.
Coordinator: Louise Day
Contact her by filling out this e-mail form or by emailing actingclub@flcseniors.ca